Chandoli National Park

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Chandoli National Park is one of the most popular national park in Maharashtra. This exciting park is situated on the western region of Maharashtra State. This has become the major stop for wildlife enthusiasts.

This may be due to the reason that it offers some of the most sprawling vegetation within the national park. This park offers some of the widest varieties of animals that ranges from mammals, reptiles and birds.

Initially the park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1985 and later it secured the status of National park in the year 2004.

This park has also been declared as protected tiger reserve. The park has acquired the area of about 317. 67 sq. km offering a diverse flora and fauna.

Flora:-

The flora of the park is of the western tropical hill type along with evergreen forest on the west coast with deciduous forest in southern part.

The most commonly found trees are ironwood tree, Javan plum or jamun syzigium cumini, pisa Actinodaphne and many more.

Other trees which are most commonly found in the area are Indian laurel or asan wood, devil flg and Indian gooseberry.

Fauna:-

This park is home to some of most endangered species of animals along with 20 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The other animals that found in the park include Tigers, Indian Bison or Gaur Bos Gaurus, Sambar Cervus unicolor, Leopard Cats Prionailurus Bengalensis, Sloth Bears Melursus Ursinus and Indian giant Squirrels Ratufa Indica.

How To Reach:-

By Air :- Kolhapur (80km) is the nearest airport.

By Rail:- Kolhapur (80km) is the nearest railway station.

By Bus:- Karad (45km) and Islampur (55km) are on the Pune-Banglore highway.

Best Time To Visit:-

Best time to visit is August to February.June to September have heavy rainfall (over 3500mm.).